The Lisbon Connection

The Praça da Figueira (Square of the Fig Tree) is a large square in the centre of Lisbon. Around 1885, a large covered market of 8,000 m² was built. This market existed until 1949, when it was demolished. Since then the square has been an open space, with four-storey buildings, occupied by hotels, cafés/small restaurants and several shops.

Praça da Figueira, view from Rossio (Praca Dom Pedro IV)

The square is also an important traffic hub, with bus and metro stops. In 1971 a bronze equestrian statue representing King John (1357-1433), by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, was inaugurated in the square. In 1999/2000, during the last renovation of the square, the statue was relocated from the middle to a corner of the square, in order to make it visible from the Praça do Comércio.

Ola (hello), you’re welcome! The very friendly waiter Marcelo Brito. Pastelaria ‘Tentacao (’Temptation’)', Praca da Figueira, for lunch (or breakfast, delicious pastries!) I enjoyed roasted salmon, vegetables and boiled potatoes (salmão grillado) € 7.

It’s nice to enjoy the sun and to view the hustle and bustle of the square.

Not too many tourists here….

Another nice place to sit outside for lunch: ‘Pastelaria Videirinha‘ (’little vineyard’), owner Filipe Barbosa is preparing the tables outside.

Pratos do dia (menu of the day) from  € 3.80 – 5.00

Very tasty bean soup (sopa de feijado verde), a cheap replacement for a full meal (€ 0,95). Don’t be too surprised to see a Portuguese ordering a soup to finish the meal. Soups made from a variety of vegetables are commonly available, one of the most popular being caldo verde made from moderately thin potato purée, thinly chopped collard greens and slices of chouriço.

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